CLEANING TOOL AND CONTAINMENT SYSTEM
The present invention is a cleaning tool (10) including a cleaning head (18) and a containment system (12) connected to the cleaning head (18). The containment system (12) includes a chamber (24) and a containment (13) including a cleaning mixture (14). The containment (13) is positionable within the chamber (24) and the cleaning mixture (14) is dispensable from the chamber (24).
The present invention is related to the field of cleaning tools. In particular, the present invention is a cleaning tool having a containment system.
BACKGROUNDCleaning tools are commonly used for cleaning dishes, bathrooms, walls, fabric, and showers. These cleaning tools can have various types of cleaning heads for different types of cleaning tasks. Depending on the cleaning task, the cleaning head can be made of various materials, such as foam, sponge, fabric, bristles, and scrubbing webs. In some cases, the cleaning heads may be attached to a solid or semi-flexible handled tool. Cleaning chemicals, solutions, or mixtures, such as dishwash detergents or general purpose cleaners, are often used in combination with the cleaning tools to aid in the cleaning process. Some cleaning tools include a chamber for holding solid or liquid cleaning mixtures that can be dispensed onto the surface to be cleaned or directly into the cleaning head. Certain cleaning tools, such as dish cleaning tools, require the user to pour the dishwash detergent into the chamber of the cleaning tool. The user is then required to dispense the cleaning mixture onto the surface to be cleaned or onto the cleaning head and work the cleaning tool around the surface to be cleaned.
In the latter case, the cleaning tool is referred to as being “loaded”. In a loaded cleaning tool, having the cleaning mixture in the tool allow for the convenience of easy and quick dispensing into the cleaning head or onto the surface to be cleaned, as needed or desired. While a loaded cleaning tool allows the cleaning mixture to be readily on hand for use, the act of pouring the cleaning mixture into the chamber of the cleaning tool can be messy if the cleaning mixture is not carefully poured into the chamber. In addition, it can be difficult for some users if the purchased cleaning mixture bottle is large and difficult to hold or control.
SUMMARYIn one embodiment, the present invention is a cleaning tool including a cleaning head and a containment system connected to the cleaning head. The containment system includes a chamber and a containment including a cleaning mixture. The containment is positionable within the chamber and the cleaning mixture is dispensable from the chamber.
In another embodiment, the present invention is a cleaning system including a cleaning tool and a cleaning mixture containment. The cleaning tool includes a handle having a working end and a holding end, a cleaning head attached to the working end, and a chamber. The cleaning mixture containment includes a cleaning mixture and is positionable within the chamber. The cleaning mixture is dispensed from the chamber.
The illustrated embodiments are not intended to be exhaustive of all embodiments according to the invention. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTIONThe cleaning tool 10 generally includes the containment system 12, a handle 16, and a cleaning head 18. The containment system 12 is located in either the handle 16 or the cleaning head 18 of the cleaning tool 10. In one embodiment, the cleaning tool 10 includes only the cleaning head 18. When the cleaning tool 10 includes a handle, the handle 16 includes a working end 20 and a holding end 22 opposite the working end 20. The cleaning head 18 is attached to the handle 16 at the working end 20 and in practice, the user grips the cleaning tool 10 at or proximate the holding end 22 of the handle 16.
The containment system 12 is connected to the cleaning head 18 and includes a cleaning mixture containment 13 and a chamber 24. As used herein, the cleaning mixture containment 13 is defined as an article that includes the cleaning mixture 14 and that can be positioned within the chamber 24. For the sake of clarity, as used herein, fluids or loose powder are not considered a cleaning mixture containment 13. Exemplary embodiments of the cleaning mixture containment 13, discussed in more detail below, include, but are not limited to: a cartridge, a pod, a dissolvable package, a tablet/coin/cylinder, a coating, a refill, or a bag/pouch. The various configurations for the cleaning mixture containment 13 can be dependent on the form or physical state of the cleaning mixture 14. For example, the cleaning mixture 14 can be in the form of a liquid or a solid, each requiring different considerations.
When the cleaning mixture 14 is in the form of a liquid, the cleaning mixture 14 may be, for example, a viscous liquid (i.e., gel). When the cleaning mixture 14 is a viscous liquid, such as dishwash detergent, it generally flows directly from the chamber 24 and is ready for use and does not need to be activated.
When the cleaning mixture 14 is in the form of a solid, the cleaning mixture 14 may be, for example, dehydrated crystals or flakes or a coating. When ready for use, the cleaning mixture 14 may be activated in a variety of ways. The simplest method is the addition of water. In some embodiments, contact with water is sufficient to activate the cleaning mixture 14. When the cleaning mixture 14 is activated by contact with water, the cleaning mixture 14 may be mixed with water while in the chamber 24 during the loading process or while in use. In other embodiments, the cleaning mixture 14 may be activated by shaking.
The cleaning mixture 14 may also take a combination of two physical states with suspended solids or particles in a liquid or gel. In addition, the cleaning mixture 14 may be combined with other cleaning mixtures or additives, such as abrasives or suspended solids to enhance the scouring ability of the cleaning tool 10, or fragrances and dyes to enhance the sensorial experience for the user. Alternate cleaning mixtures can also be used within the various containment system forms, including, but not limited to: vinegar, or abrasives in the soap.
The chamber 24 is sized to hold the cleaning mixture containment 13 and when positioned within the handle 16, as shown in
As mentioned, depending on the form of the cleaning mixture 14 and the construction of the cleaning tool 10, the containment system 12 can take on different structures with the cleaning mixture containment 13 being delivered to the cleaning tool 10 in a number of ways. In all cases, the chamber 24 of the containment system 12 is designed to fit within or attach to the cleaning tool 10 when properly loaded/attached. In one embodiment, the cleaning mixture containment 13 is used as a refill in the cleaning tool 10. In one embodiment, the cleaning mixture containment 13 can be used as an independent standalone cleaning article which can be manually dispensed for any cleaning situation without the need for a tool to dispense the cleaning mixture 14. For example, the cleaning mixture containment 13 can be squeezed to discharge cleaning mixture 14 directly onto a cleaning head 18, the surface to be cleaned, or bucket of water as traditional bottled cleaners are applied.
The handle 16 includes a discharge aperture 26 and an end cap 28. The discharge aperture 26 is generally located at the working end 20 of the handle 16 between the cleaning head 18 and the chamber 24 of the containment system 12 and dispenses the cleaning mixture 14 located within the chamber 24 from the handle 16. A valve 32 is generally positioned between the chamber 24 and the discharge aperture 26 and is included to allow for controlled release or containment of the cleaning mixture 14 within the chamber 24. The valve 32 is switchable between an open position and a closed position. When the valve 32 is in the open position, the discharge aperture 26 is in communication with the chamber 24 and therefore allows the cleaning mixture 14 to pass through the valve 32 and exit the handle 16. When the valve 32 is in the closed position, a block prevents communication of the chamber 24 with the discharge aperture 26 and therefore stops the cleaning mixture 14 from passing through the valve 32 and exiting the handle 16.
The discharge aperture 26 is generally located at the working end 20 of the handle 16 and is slightly removed from the cleaning head 18. Because the discharge aperture 26 and valve 32 are positioned adjacent the cleaning head 18, the cleaning mixture 14 is readily available to be used for cleaning when discharged from the handle 16. It should be noted that while the discharge aperture 26 is depicted in
The end cap 28 is located at the holding end 22 of the handle 16. The end cap 28 can be removed from the handle 16 to allow access into the chamber 24 of the containment system 12. When the end cap 28 is positioned on the handle 16, the end cap 28 covers the chamber 24 and maintains the cleaning mixture containment 13 and cleaning mixture 14 within the chamber 24. Any number of attachment mechanisms can be used for removably securing the end cap 28 to the handle 16 as will be understood by those of skill in the art. For example, threads and rubber gaskets can be used.
In some embodiments, such as in the embodiment depicted in
The handle 16 may have any shape, length, or arrangement, and can be constructed of various materials. For example, suitable materials include, but are not limited to: plastic, metal, wood, thermoplastics, elastomers, and similar rigid or semi-flexible materials. Specifically, various elastomers, and o-rings, can be used in and around the valve, end cap, or other mating components for a better seal. Examples of suitable handles include, but are not limited to: a rigid plastic handle, a squeezable or deformable handle, an extendable handle, a long steel or aluminum handle, a dishwand, or a palm brush. In one embodiment, the handle 16 may contain batteries or other power supply to provide movement of the cleaning head 18 to reduce user input and increase performance. For example, the cleaning tool 10 may include an ultrasonic mechanism in the cleaning head 18 or be similar to an orbital sander.
The cleaning head 18 is attached to the working end 20 of the handle 16 and contacts the surface to be cleaned. The cleaning head 18 is attached to the handle 16 by, for example, a shoe. In one embodiment, the shoe is formed of plastic. The cleaning head 18 may either be a permanent feature of the cleaning tool 10 or may be replaceable when it is no longer satisfactorily efficient. The cleaning head 18 is constructed of a material suitable for cleaning. In one embodiment, the cleaning head 18 may be constructed of a material suitable for wiping, washing, scrubbing, and/or scouring. In one embodiment, the cleaning head 18 is constructed of more than one material. Exemplary materials suitable for the cleaning head include, but are not limited to: synthetic or cellulose foam, fabric such a woven, knitted, or nonwoven fabric, scouring webs, bristles, or a combination of one or more of these materials.
Within the cartridge 13a, the cleaning mixture 14 can take different physical forms. In one embodiment, the cleaning mixture 14 can be a liquid solution, or a mixture of liquid and suspended solids which is directly inserted into the cleaning tool 10a. In another embodiment, the cleaning mixture 14 is in solid form inside the cartridge 13a as a powder or crystals.
In another embodiment shown in
As discussed, the cleaning mixture containment 13 can take many different forms depending on the physical state of the cleaning mixture. An alternate form to the pod 13f discussed with respect to
In the embodiment shown in
While most embodiments have been described with the chamber 24 of the containment system 12 located within the handle 16 and as accessing the chamber 24 via the end cap 28, it can be expected that other access points are possible within the cleaning tool 10.
It should be noted that although the figures generally depict only one containment being loaded into the cleaning tool at a time, depending on the containment system and the containment type, any number of containments can be loaded into the cleaning tool at one time for use as needed. In one embodiment, the containments are dispensed individually from the handle or chamber into the cleaning head or onto the surface to be cleaned as needed.
Although specific embodiments of this invention have been shown and described herein, it is understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the many possible specific arrangements that can be devised in application of the principles of the invention. Numerous and varied other arrangements can be devised in accordance with these principles by those of skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the scope of the present invention should not be limited to the structures described in this application, but only by the structures described by the language of the claims and the equivalents of those structures.
Claims
1. A cleaning tool comprising:
- a cleaning head; and
- a containment system connected to the cleaning head, the containment system comprising: a chamber; and a containment including a cleaning mixture, wherein the containment is positionable within the chamber, and wherein the cleaning mixture is dispensable from the chamber.
2. The cleaning tool of claim 1, wherein the containment is one of a tablet, pod, cartridge, bag, pouch, coating, and refill.
3. The cleaning tool of claim 1, wherein the cleaning tool comprises a handle having a working end and a holding end, wherein the cleaning head is attached to the working end of the handle.
4. The cleaning tool of claim 3, wherein the cleaning tool further comprises an actuator for controlling release of the cleaning mixture.
5. The cleaning tool of claim 4, wherein the cleaning mixture is dispensed from the chamber when the actuator is activated.
6. The cleaning tool of claim 3, wherein the chamber is positioned within the handle.
7. The cleaning tool of claim 1, wherein the chamber is positioned within the cleaning head.
8. The cleaning tool of claim 1, further comprising a discharge aperture for dispensing the cleaning mixture.
9. The cleaning tool of claim 1, wherein the cleaning mixture is water activated.
10. The cleaning tool of claim 1, wherein the cleaning tool is a handheld cleaning tool.
11. A cleaning system comprising:
- a cleaning tool comprising: a handle having a working end and a holding end; a cleaning head attached to the working end; and a chamber; and
- a cleaning mixture containment positionable within the chamber, wherein the cleaning mixture containment includes a cleaning mixture, and
- wherein the cleaning mixture is dispensed from the chamber.
12. The cleaning system of claim 11, wherein the cleaning tool further comprises an actuator for controlling release of the cleaning mixture.
13. The cleaning system of claim 11, further comprising a discharge aperture for dispensing the cleaning mixture.
14. The cleaning system of claim 11, wherein the containment is one of a tablet, pod, cartridge, bag, pouch, coating, and refill.
15. The cleaning system of claim 11, wherein the chamber is positioned within one of the handle and the cleaning head.
16. The system of claim 11, wherein the handle is the containment.
17. The cleaning system of claim 11, wherein the handle is squeezable or deformable.
18. The cleaning system of claim 11, wherein the cleaning tool is one of a dishwand and a palm brush.
19. The cleaning system of claim 11, wherein the cleaning tool further comprises an end cap for maintaining the containment in the chamber.
Type: Application
Filed: Jun 15, 2018
Publication Date: Jun 25, 2020
Inventors: Megan E. Renner (San Francisco, CA), Matthew D. Chaffee (Minneapolis, MN), Mark W. Baldwin (Woodbury, MN), Michael C. Leighton (Excelsior, MN), Heidi A. Sandell (St. Paul, MN), Lloyd S. Vasilakes (Stillwater, MN)
Application Number: 16/622,333